On Friday, May 1, Jubilee Housing and Enterprise Community Partners marked the ADMO Groundbreaking which celebrated the renovation and preservation of six residential buildings, including two of Jubilee’s founding properties, The Mozart and The Ritz.
“All of our city’s residents—regardless of income—deserve safe, accessible, high-quality homes in amenity-rich neighborhoods,” said Nicole Wickliffe, Interim Executive Director of the DC Housing Authority. “This investment reflects a commitment to building an inclusive community where residents can thrive.”
Wickliffe’s remarks reflected a theme that carried throughout the program which highlighted Jubilee Housing’s roots, including its connection to the Church of the Saviour, and how its community-centered model later expanded nationally through Enterprise Community Partners. Speakers asked a central question throughout the program: Who will answer the call?
That question honors Jubilee’s founding leaders—Barbara Moore, Terry Flood, and Carolyn Banker Cresswell—who, despite having no background in property management, stepped forward to create lasting change in their community. Their early efforts were supported by Jim Rouse, a pioneer in inclusive urban development known for projects like Columbia, Maryland, and Enterprise, the affordable housing nonprofit he founded.
“The preservation of The Ritz and The Mozart was not only the start of Jubilee Housing—it was also the beginning of a shared legacy,” said Shaun Donovan, CEO of Enterprise. “When Jubilee’s founding leaders answered a call to serve their community, Jim Rouse responded by investing in their vision. That partnership helped inspire the founding of Enterprise. Today’s reinvestment offers a powerful reminder: When bold local leadership is sustained by committed partners, communities can remain affordable, vibrant places to call home for generations.”
The renovation aligns with Jubilee’s Justice Housing® model, which combines deeply affordable housing with supportive services in thriving neighborhoods. Planned improvements include modernized kitchens and bathrooms, upgraded building systems, and significant exterior repairs such as roofing, façade restoration, and site enhancements.
Enterprise’s housing credit investments business provided $55.1 million in Low-Income Housing Tax credit equity to support the rehabilitation.
Project highlights include:
- Renovation of 188 apartments
- Creation of 1,788 square feet of indoor youth play space
- ADA accessibility upgrades and solar panel installations in several buildings
- HVAC replacements, elevator modernizations, and additional infrastructure improvements
Four of the six buildings date back to pre-World War II, some as early as 1915, and will be preserved as part of the project’s historical commitment.
During the program, Jim Knight said, “Who will answer the call is more than a rhetorical hook. Our nation is crumbling around us. We are under assault. The old ways are not working now. We need newness. We need people that are willing to risk it all to make life work for everyone.”
Construction is expected to begin at the end of May, with anticipated completion in early 2028.
Project Partners
Jubilee Housing extends its gratitude to financing and project partners, including Advantage Capital, Atlantic Union Bank, a member of FHLBank Atlanta, the DC Housing Authority, the DC Housing Finance Agency, the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Enterprise Community Partners, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC DC), Bonstra Haresign Architects, Eisen & Rome, EquityPlus, LLC, Goulston & Storrs, Monarch Construction, Montage Development, SAH Design Group, and Troutman Pepper.
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About Jubilee Housing
Jubilee Housing builds strong, compassionate communities where everyone has the chance to thrive. Through what we call Justice Housing®, we create deeply affordable homes paired with on-site and nearby support services, in neighborhoods with access to good schools, transit, groceries, and jobs. Together, we’re building more than just housing, we’re creating pathways to opportunity. Learn more at jubileehousing.org.
About Enterprise Community Partners
Enterprise is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, advance housing policy at every level of government, and build and manage communities ourselves. Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—all to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging. Join us at enterprisecommunity.org.